Merrie Monarch
Definition
A nickname for King David Kalākaua (1834–1891), the last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, known for his jovial personality, patronage of the arts, and efforts to revive Hawaiian culture and traditions.
The Merrie Monarch Festival, an annual week-long cultural celebration held in Hilo, Hawaii, immediately following Easter Sunday, featuring world-class hula competitions, arts fairs, parades, and exhibits honoring Hawaiian heritage.
Examples
After binge-watching Merrie Monarch highlights, my living room floor became an impromptu hula arena—until the cat staged a rebellion.
King Kalākaua lived up to his Merrie Monarch moniker by turning royal banquets into luaus so epic, even the coconuts were jealous.
Securing tickets to the Merrie Monarch Festival is like winning the lottery, but with more grass skirts and zero tax implications.
My DIY Merrie Monarch costume—a crown made from leis and a smile painted on—was a hit, until the glue gave way mid-twirl.